Arena Community,

In the spirit of Giving Tuesday, I’m reaching out to share how Arena has helped shape my political career and ask you to consider a monthly gift to change who has access to politics.

As a Latina and first-generation American, I learned about politics differently than many who traditionally work in this field. I didn't grow up speaking the jargon and, for the longest time, I was the only person in my family who could vote. Arena helped me fully understand how to step into my power and that I, like all people, need to have a seat at the table if we are to progress as a society.

I first came to hear about Arena in 2017 when they hosted a Summit in Phoenix. I was feeling excited about the prospect of stepping up and shifting the political landscape in our country. But I was living paycheck to paycheck and, like many, I didn't have the resources I needed to take the next step in my political career.

Arena helped me overcome this. They understand that to change who has access to politics we need to change who has access to resources. More than two-thirds of their training attendees receive full or partial scholarships and those scholarships are possible due to the generosity of donors.

Each Academy costs $50,000 to host, and Arena needs to raise $350,000 to run seven more before the 2022 midterms.

This Giving Tuesday, make a monthly gift to fund Arena Academy and help open the door to politics for those too often locked out.

After my first Arena Summit, I became the campaign manager for now Arizona State Representative Raquel Terán. In 2018, Arena endorsed Representative Terán and was fundamental in helping deliver our victory.

In 2019, Arena granted me a full scholarship for Arena Academy in Iowa. At the training, I leveled up my campaigning skills for 2020. From there I was able to become the Field Director for the Arizona Democratic Legislative Campaign Committee (ADLCC).

As a Latina woman and a child of immigrants, I know that more people like me working on campaigns will help us connect with voters, win elections, and ultimately create life-changing policies.

I am now stepping into the position of Deputy Executive Director for the ADLCC. I wouldn’t be where I am today without the support Arena provided. And, I can’t wait to see who else they bring into politics next year and beyond.

Generosity from donors allowed Arena Academy to be low-cost for me and helped me overcome financial barriers to leveling up my campaign skills.

This Giving Tuesday, become a monthly donor and fund future Arena Academies.

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